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Sardis Falcons a Canadian curiosity on Texas trip

The Falcons traveled to Lubbock as the lone Canadian entry in the famed Caprock hoops tourney.
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A huge come-from-behind win over the Slaton Tigers highlighted a Texas trip for the Sardis senior boys basketball squad.

The Falcons left for Lubbock, TX, Christmas morning.

They played four games in the 61st annual Caprock high school tournament and drew attention for being the lone Canadian entry.

Head coach Adam Smith was interviewed for a television news piece, which included this quote from tourney director Gary Johnson.

“They may talk a little funny but still you’ve got the ball that needs to go into the basket.”

Smith’s crew rallied from a 10 point halftime hole to beat the Tigers in their opening game. Evan Shea hit the game-winning shot with just 25 seconds on the clock as the Falcons took a 48-46 final.

They ground out a 52-48 overtime win over the Alpine Bucks in their second game.

“We started the first half off on fire as Josh (Janssen) and Gift (Tillo) hit big three pointers,” Smith said. “They (Alpine) countered by going to a triangle-and-two defence, shadowing Josh and Gift in the second half. Migs (Mercado) stepped up big and hit the game tying three with about 48 seconds left on the clock. Then in OT he iced the game going two for two from the (free-throw) line with six seconds left.”

Sardis was overwhelmed by Lubbock Christian in their third game, and by the time the fourth game ended, the Falcons were down to seven healthy players.

“But we also got into a Texas Tech practice for two and a half hours,” Smith enthused. “It was awesome because (Texas Tech head coach) Chris Beard came over and talked to all the kids individually, and then at the end he brought us down to the court and gave them a speech about practice and how to improve through it.”



Eric Welsh

About the Author: Eric Welsh

I joined the Chilliwack Progress in 2007, originally hired as a sports reporter.
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